2009 DSA(Direct School Admission)

[Fairy]

ApronMama:

phankao:

Won't lah. The GEP students have been prepared and taught how to create & keep portfolios since p4. Even my dd in a non-GEP school was never given any talks/workshops formal/informal by the teachers.

Another unfair treatment to mainstream students? :x

Any GEP students in the past not being offered DSA? I suppose if there was they are the minority. I heard DSA came about for the GEP students to help them get into the I P programme as they may not do as well as mainstream students in the PSLE. They stand a greater chance than the mainstream pupils to get a confirm offered in DSA. Most mainstream pupils who meet the DSA criteria, are usually put on waiting list, meaning when the offer are not taken by the confirm offer, they will then be considered. I know of one mainstream student who were eligible for DSA due to SMOPS (only a sliver, not plat) and managed to get into HCI thru DSA. But due to his performance at DSA he was put in the same group as the GEP students after he joined. His has been doing very well and now in their \"Excellence\" programme. I am always puzzled, what is the rational behind the GEP sytem now and the unfairness of treatments in DSA and then edusave scholorship in place. Just to ensure GEP implementation is successful ? :? But is the labelling of \"GEP\" healthly for those who are in it. Already yesterday, my son (in mainstream) came back from school (GEP centre) and said his GEP peers told them that GEP students are always smarter than mainstream high ability pupils even if they score 100 in maths. It is really sad that the GEP system has brought these kids such character from young age.

I have both GEP and non-GEP children. They are equally intelligent. However, the one who is in the GEP programme does exhibit some X- factor in his analytical thinking and the way he processes information since he was a todler. Intelligence may not always translate into good grades (IQ scores, maybe) since many other factors like deligence are at play.

Not all GEPers are arrogant. From the time they are identified as a class at the tender age of 10, they have to learn to cope with not only a differentiated and accelerated learning environment, but to deal with the 'wrath' and unhappiness of their peers in the mainstream, the mainstreamers' teachers and parents. (no offense intended) The perceived arrogance may in fact be their defense mechanism from the harsh reality of being in the club. Membership does have its advantages. However, the screening for GEP is opened to all in P3. No one is denied a chance. I am aware that some Big-Shots' (politicians & other influentials) children did not qualify for the prgramme.

Yes, there are GEP students who are not offered a place via DSA. Those GEP students who were offered a place via DSA and who subsequently did not meet the school's cut-off point is in the minority.

HCI grouped the students under 4 consortiums. In the past, GEP students automatically get grouped under Isparks. However, there are also many non-GEP students in Isparks. Those who joined via DSA Sports are grouped together as their curriculumn are planned around their training schedules. I have friends, whose sons (non-GEPers) had very high PSLE scores but not placed under Isparks.

There are pros and cons of gaining admission via DSA. Some claimed that securing a place in a choice school beforehand will reduce the stress of taking the Exam. However, securing a place in a choice school could also make the child complacent and not work as hard for the Exam.

As a parent of a P6 mainstreamer, I have my fair share of anxiety as far as my child's chance of gaining admission to a choice school via DSA is concerned. I must admit such insecurity arises because I am not certain if my child can score well enough, relative to the cohort in PSLE to gain admission. Otherwise, why waste time on going through gruelling DSA selection tests and interviews? Aren't they be better off concentrating on preparing for the Exam?

By the way, how will the child have any idea which is the school of their choice? Let's hope all our kids can get into the school of their choice, or rather, their parents' choice.

[AnnT2009]

Hi Jenn and others,


:thankyou: sooooo much for sharing. Will check on the SST web site for more info.

Have a nice day.

[phankao]

Fairy:

HCI grouped the students under 4 consortiums. In the past, GEP students automatically get grouped under Isparks. However, there are also many non-GEP students in Isparks. Those who joined via DSA Sports are grouped together as their curriculumn are planned around their training schedules. I have friends, whose sons (non-GEPers) had very high PSLE scores but not placed under Isparks.
.

Hi,

Do you have any hearsay about whether there are boys who gain entry to HCI under other CCAs?

Phase I DSA for HCI states specifically Math & Sports. Phase II says academic excellence and \"other talents\". But it's quite unclear what the \"other talents\" are. At least for Dunman High, they are quite clear in what they want for DSA - all clearly outlined.

My younger boy (p4 only) has his eyes set on HCI (don't know why he has such a good impression of it). He's talented in chinese music, but I do wonder if it would even be an avenue for HCI. I also notice they don't have a special music programme, unlike Nanyang or RI. And he's actually not interested in RI even tho' they have the Music Option, bc he says RI is \"not good\" in Chinese music. LOL. The thoughts of a young p4 boy!

Let me know if you have heard or your boys in HCI have friends or know of?

TIA!

[MdmKS]

Fairy:

I have both GEP and non-GEP children. They are equally intelligent. However, the one who is in the GEP programme does exhibit some X- factor in his analytical thinking and the way he processes information since he was a todler. Intelligence may not always translate into good grades (IQ scores, maybe) since many other factors like deligence are at play.

Your mainstream kid may be just out of the 500 selected. I believe he got into the second round? I also understand the screening test is mainly multiple choice and English is a key factor to be able to understand the questions well. Well there are people who choose not to take part in the screening test at P3.

I like the HCI way of doing away with the name \"GEP\" and mix them with \"mainstream\" students while they all have chance to do advance learning.

[father_of_3]

Attended HCI Open hse last Sat. If I remember correctly, for Ispark, they will not admit non-GEP student.

Back to statistics, there are about 550 GEP students for this year P6 student. If I remember correctly, there are more than 300 boys. So mainstream boys may be at slight disadv for places. Hope this help you can work out the chances when you plan for DSA.

[Fairy]

father_of_3:

Attended HCI Open hse last Sat. If I remember correctly, for Ispark, they will not admit non-GEP student.

Back to statistics, there are about 550 GEP students for this year P6 student. If I remember correctly, there are more than 300 boys. So mainstream boys may be at slight disadv for places. Hope this help you can work out the chances when you plan for DSA.

Up till 2009, there are Non GEP students in Isparks. I have friends whose boys are there. Unless HCI decides to change its policy for 2010's cohort. Of the 300 plus boys per cohort in most years, majority will go RI, some to Catholic High and ACS due to the strong attachment to their primary schools. Of course, we cannot be sure which school this year's cohort prefers. My experience with HCI is that it is very warm and sincere in welcoming potential students.

[Fairy]

phankao:

Fairy:

HCI grouped the students under 4 consortiums. In the past, GEP students automatically get grouped under Isparks. However, there are also many non-GEP students in Isparks. Those who joined via DSA Sports are grouped together as their curriculumn are planned around their training schedules. I have friends, whose sons (non-GEPers) had very high PSLE scores but not placed under Isparks.
.

Hi,

Do you have any hearsay about whether there are boys who gain entry to HCI under other CCAs?

Phase I DSA for HCI states specifically Math & Sports. Phase II says academic excellence and \"other talents\". But it's quite unclear what the \"other talents\" are. At least for Dunman High, they are quite clear in what they want for DSA - all clearly outlined.

My younger boy (p4 only) has his eyes set on HCI (don't know why he has such a good impression of it). He's talented in chinese music, but I do wonder if it would even be an avenue for HCI. I also notice they don't have a special music programme, unlike Nanyang or RI. And he's actually not interested in RI even tho' they have the Music Option, bc he says RI is \"not good\" in Chinese music. LOL. The thoughts of a young p4 boy!

Let me know if you have heard or your boys in HCI have friends or know of?

TIA!

I suggest you write to HCI. I am certain you will get a reply. Other talents may refer to achievements in CCAs other than Sports or track record of leadership positions.

[Fairy]

MdmKS:

Fairy:

I have both GEP and non-GEP children. They are equally intelligent. However, the one who is in the GEP programme does exhibit some X- factor in his analytical thinking and the way he processes information since he was a todler. Intelligence may not always translate into good grades (IQ scores, maybe) since many other factors like deligence are at play.

Your mainstream kid may be just out of the 500 selected. I believe he got into the second round? I also understand the screening test is mainly multiple choice and English is a key factor to be able to understand the questions well. Well there are people who choose not to take part in the screening test at P3.

I like the HCI way of doing away with the name \"GEP\" and mix them with \"mainstream\" students while they all have chance to do advance learning.

Yes. My younger child went for the selection tests. I did not ask both my kids what was tested. I remembered asking them whether they could answer those questions. Child 1 said they were 'easy'. I did not put much thoughts into his reply. Child 2 said they were 'ok' but was unsure if some questions were correctly answered.

Yes, one of child 1's classmates was selected for the program but decided not to join. One of child 2's current classmates was successful in securing a place in the program but had stayed in mainstream.

[joconde]

phankao:

My younger boy (p4 only) has his eyes set on HCI (don't know why he has such a good impression of it). He's talented in chinese music, but I do wonder if it would even be an avenue for HCI. I also notice they don't have a special music programme, unlike Nanyang or RI. And he's actually not interested in RI even tho' they have the Music Option, bc he says RI is \"not good\" in Chinese music. LOL. The thoughts of a young p4 boy!

So ur boy plays chinese instrument ? I think DHS chinese orchestra troupe can be considered one of the best, RVH also good. Although these may not be most parents first choice

[phankao]

joconde:

phankao:

My younger boy (p4 only) has his eyes set on HCI (don't know why he has such a good impression of it). He's talented in chinese music, but I do wonder if it would even be an avenue for HCI. I also notice they don't have a special music programme, unlike Nanyang or RI. And he's actually not interested in RI even tho' they have the Music Option, bc he says RI is \"not good\" in Chinese music. LOL. The thoughts of a young p4 boy!

So ur boy plays chinese instrument ? I think DHS chinese orchestra troupe can be considered one of the best, RVH also good. Although these may not be most parents first choice

Yes. DHS clearly states they take in under CO. I think by p6 year, my boy shd be able to. Only thing dhs so far away for us \"northlanders\". He prefers HCI tho. Not even thinking abt RVH.